A first-timer's guide to the Disney Adventure Cruise
You've booked your Disney Adventure cruise... now what?
With the Disney Adventure finally at sea, the excitement is real. You’ve likely seen the different tips from content creators across social media, but it can be hard to keep track of them all. Not to worry, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you! This guide consolidates every "need-to-know" secret and insider tips into one place.
Go ahead, bookmark this page and make this your Disney cruise survival guide.
Check in early
Download the Navigator app at least a month in advance. It’s the best way to get familiar with the ship and its amenities.
Also, make sure to check your email or app and check in as soon as it’s available. The earlier you do it, the better your chances of grabbing an early boarding time. That means more time on the ship!
Embarkation
Arrive in Singapore at least a day early. When embarkation day finally arrives, make sure your health questionnaire is done and your documents (passports and arrival forms) are easily accessible. Try to arrive exactly at your scheduled time and not before because you may be asked to wait.
Pro Tip: Drop your big bags at the luggage point, but keep an essentials bag with you. It can take until evening for luggage to arrive at your cabin. If your bag doesn't show up until late, check with Guest Services. Sometimes they flag it if they screened a prohibited item. If they take something away, you'll get it back before you disembark. To save you the hassle, check out the prohibited item list.
Prevent motion sickness
Seasickness is common, but it’s easy to manage if you’re prepared. Start your medication at least an hour before embarkation and take it nightly to keep it in your system. On the Disney Adventure, there's also a Health Center located on Deck 9, Forward, for emergencies. You can often find free seasickness medication right by the entrance.
You can bring alcohol
While onboard cocktails are reasonably priced, savvy cruisers can save a bit more by bringing their own stash. If you’re at least 18 years old (and are booked in round-trip cruises in Singapore), Disney allows you to bring up to two unopened bottles of wine or champagne (750ml or less) or a six-pack of beer (12oz or less) per person at the start of the voyage.
Just remember, these must be packed in your carry-on bag. You’re free to enjoy your drinks in your cabin, but if you want to bring your own bottle to the dining room, there is a US$29 corkage fee per bottle.
Pack empty food containers and tumblers
Speaking of drinks, water, cola, juice, and tea are available in the common areas such as the Imagination Garden on Deck 10 MID, Discovery Reef on Deck 10 AFT, and Toy Story Land on Deck 17 (coffee and hot chocolate are available here). Paper cups are available, but it would be better to bring your own to minimize waste.
Also, when you order room service—like their cookies or cheese plates—you can easily box them up. It makes for a perfect snack when you go to the pool or watch a movie in the cinema.
Try the Disney famous snacks
Disney cruises and resorts are known for their Mickey Waffles, but for those in the know, they also serve golden, crispy Mickey Churro Waffles. These are usually served during the second-to-last morning of your sailing at the kids' section of the buffet restaurants.
Also, Mickey Ice Cream Bars are available at all restaurants—just ask your server!
Master the zones
The Disney Adventure is HUGE, and if you’re worried about getting lost on the ship, don't be! Once you learn a few simple tricks (and shortcuts), you’ll navigate like a pro. Start by memorizing the zones: FWD (front), MID (middle), and AFT (back).
If you’re ever confused in the hallways, just look down. The carpet is often color-coded to help you out—usually, green means you're in the FWD section and blue means you’re in the AFT.
‘Favorite’ your activities
Popular shows and high-demand activities like meet-and-greets fill up fast, so book them in the app as soon as they become available. Note that you can do this even before the cruise starts. The booking window is determined by your Castaway Club membership level, which can be as early as 75 days prior to sail date for first timers. The full list can be found here.
See something you’re interested in? Just "heart" it! The app will send a notification 30 minutes before the start time so you never miss a show.
Always check the ship time
Even though the Disney Adventure stays in Singapore waters, your phone might get confused. As you sail near the coast, your phone may automatically pick up a signal from Malaysia or Indonesia, causing your clock to jump forward or back. So, always check the DCL Navigator app for the official ship time.
There's a nursery for kids
Have babies in tow? Schedule your own 'me-time' and leave them in the “it’s a small world” nursery for an extra charge. Slots are limited, so book as early as possible.
Take advantage of Open Houses
While areas like the "it’s a small world" nursery, Disney Oceaneer’s Club, Edge, and Vibe are usually reserved for kids, tweens, and teens, anyone (including adults) can visit and play during an Open House. Just keep an eye out for it on the app!
Don't buy the first thing you see
Take the time to explore every shop before heading to the checkout—each store carries a unique selection of items you won't find anywhere else on the ship. Aside from Disney collectibles, keep an eye out for the Disney Adventure x TWG Tea and Bacha Coffee collaborations. These are special editions you can only snag on board.
However, if you really want it, shop early because it can sell out fast!
Have your photos taken
Disney’s professional photographers are stationed at spots throughout the ship. Take full advantage of these sessions, they're free! Afterward, you can browse your gallery and purchase the ones you like through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app.
Wi-Fi is NOT included
Nope, roaming, e-sims and pocket WiFi here won’t work! However, free WiFi is available to access WhatsApp and the Navigator App. Otherwise, you have to buy packages, which are not cheap.
'Pixie dust' your staterooms
One of the best parts of a Disney cruise is that you can jazz up your stateroom doors. Since they’re magnetic, you can go wild with personalized Disney magnets and hooks. Just make sure to leave the tape and stickers at home. Using adhesives can damage the finish, and the ship may charge you for it.
Also, your cabin is already set up for your gadgets with UK/Singapore outlets and USB-A/C ports, so you can spend less time worrying about adapters.
Freebies!
IYKYK. There are secret perks that make the cruise more magical. First, visit the Diamonds and Wishes shop daily. They usually offer a free charm of the day, plus a chain to attach them all to. Then, if you’re celebrating a birthday or anniversary, ask for a free celebration pin at Guest Services. Wear it everywhere—you might get a surprise from a crew member.
For the First-Timers, don't forget to visit Guest Services to get your Cruise Certificate printed. It’s a wonderful souvenir to mark your very first sailing on the Disney Adventure.
Pre-pay gratuities
Disney recommends gratuities at US$16 per guest, per night (including kids and infants), but to save time and hassle, pay them online beforehand. Guests have noted that the Guest Services line on the final night can be quite long with people trying to settle their accounts.
Debarkation
Before 10 p.m. on the final night, place your bags in the hallway with the Disney character tags attached. These tags guide you to the right section in the port.
If you want to beat the crowds, opt for Express Walk-off by carrying your own luggage.
On the morning that you leave, enjoy a final sit-down breakfast at your assigned restaurant, or stay in and order room service.
Finally, you still need to clear customs. Fill out your SG Arrival Card before heading to the gangway so you can go through immigration easily.